My friend and I from Norway are going to drive from New Orleans - San Antonio - Santa Fe - Durango - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas - Yosemite - San Fransisco. If any of you out there have suggestions on what to see on that route or other opinions (good or bad) please give them to us. We are plannig to drive most scenic byways and use time on that. We are not interested in hiking. We also want good advices on where to sleep (nice and not to expensive B&B's) and best resturants on the way. We are also interested in shopping for art, curiosities, things and stuff :-)
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Stop at Canyon de Chelly. Beautiful canyon in Navajo
Nation. Access is controlled by Navajos. There is only
one hike you can take on your own (without a guide) but if
you have a few $ you can take any number of hikes in the
canyon with a Navajo guide.
B&Bs tend to be quaint inns for $80-$230/night. Most people
using them are romantic couples and mature folks with enough
money. They are a treat, but not inexpensive. Hostels are
usually shared rooms for the younger crowd, as you know. In
between, what most people use are generic motels for a
usually comfortable albeit boring nights rest and a hot
shower. You then find your own breakfast in the
neighborhood. You are driving a couple of thousand miles
(km?). Difficult to recommend someplace to have lunch.
Wow, what a trip! New Orleans is amazing, you'll love it.
Mark Twain once said (speaking about one hundred years ago)
that there are only three one-of-a-kind cities in the U.S.
and luckily you will be hitting three of them on your trip.
He named San Francisco, San Antonio, New Orleans, and New
York. I've yet to be to San Francisco, but I would say
Twain's statement still holds true for the other three. I'm
from Texas (Houston) and would recommend to anyone interested
in a pretty city with loads of fun and color; Austin. It's
about an hour's drive north from San Antonio on I-35 and is
perfect for anyone in their twenties (or any other age for
that matter) who enjoy music, the outdoors, a mellow
atmosphere, and friendly people. It's an enormous college
town (The University of Texas houses 50,000) with about
500,000 residents. It's big enough to fill any need, but
small enough to remain very manageable for a short visit. I
would recommend 6th Street for nightlife, it's the largest
party street I've every run across, holding 5 continuous
blocks of bars and clubs on either side of the street. If
you're looking for some funky shops go west on 6th until you
hit Lamar Ave., or head north of downtown to the University
and walk down the Drag (Guadalupe St.). For good grub go
west on 6th St about 3 miles and look for the Hula Hut
(Southwestern) on the left hand side of the road. Also, from
6th take a left on Lamar and keep going until you see Matt's
El Rancho (Mexican) on the left hand side. For B-B-Que go to
Stubb's on 7th. On 6th St. I would recommend 311 for some
good Soul Music and Casino El Camino for real Austin flavor.
Pick up a free copy of the Austin Chronicle to find out
what's happening around town. Like I said, I live in
Houston, but I can't wait to get bake to Austin. It's
probably my favorite city outside of New Orleans and
Amsterdam.
San Antonio is an incredible city--must dos include the
Riverwalk & boat ride, Sunday noon Mariachi mass at Mission
San Jose, Alamo, eating at Mi Tierra in the Market area.
You will have a great time there. If you go with the above
suggestion, stop at Frederickburg, Lyndon Johnson ranch on
the Perdeneles near Johnson City or Gruene on the way. San
Antonio has Mexican & German influence--the two I just
mentioned are in the Hill Country & very German.
While in Durango, check out Farquarts and Momo Mia Pizza.
I've only been to Durango once, but the memories of the food
and the music are still going strong. Great Place!
While in Durango, check out Farquarts and Momo Mia Pizza.
I've only been to Durango once, but the memories of the food
and the music are still going strong. Great Place!
In Texas west of San Antonio there's good shopping in Fredricksburg (mentioned in one of the previous posts) and also in Kerrville -- check out the James Avery Jewelry headquarters in Kerrville. In Arizona, south of the Grand Canyon is Sedona, Arizona. Awesome scenery and hiking in the huge red-rock formations and nice shopping. There's a very "upscale" (i.e., pricey) artists' mall that is fun to shop, and the buildings themselves are beautiful -- Tlaquepaque (never did learn to pronounce it..) -- it's on Highway 179 at the bridge.
I suggest you joing the AAA (American Auto Club) before you
start your trip. There are offices in just about every city
of size, They will set you up with all kinds of maps and
info - including guides to camping and lodging. Plus, they
offer road side assistance if you get a flat, break down
etc. Being a member of AAA also gets you discounts to some
hotels and attarctions. It costs about $49 to join.
Have a great trip!
I suggest you join the AAA (American Auto Club) before you
start your trip. There are offices in just about every city
of size, They will set you up with all kinds of maps and
info - including guides to camping and lodging. Plus, they
offer road side assistance if you get a flat, break down
etc. Being a member of AAA also gets you discounts to some
hotels and attarctions. It costs about $49 to join.
Have a great trip!